Intervention Climate Change Conference in Bonn (SB 30)

On June 1, 2009, the first day of the Bonn Climate Change Talks (Eighth session of the AWG-KP, sixth session of the AWG-LCA and Thirtieth session of the Subsidiary Bodies), the International Council for Sustainable Energy, the umbrella organization of the BCSEs of Europe, the US, UK and Australia, and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) delivered an Intervention on Development and Transfer of Technology (Agenda Item 4 (b)) at the session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice.

Intervention before the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice
Agenda Item 4 (b) – Development and Transfer of Technology
June 1, 2009

International Council for Sustainable Energy
Global Wind Energy Council

Madam Chair and distinguished delegates, thank you for the opportunity to present our views to SBSTA on the development and transfer of technology.

I am speaking on behalf of the International Council for Sustainable Energy and the Global Wind Energy Council, a grouping of over 750 clean energy companies and business organizations worldwide representing the renewable energy, energy efficiency and natural gas industries. Collectively, we represent companies with billions of dollars in financial capital and investments, and a strong commercial interest in the expansion of existing clean energy technology markets as well as effective carbon markets that contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

We support a strong post-2012 agreement in Copenhagen with clear mid-term and long-term emission reduction targets by developed countries and clarity on national policies in major emitting developing countries. This is needed to more rapidly diffuse existing clean energy technologies, build the energy infrastructure, and direct investment to develop and commercialize new technologies.

The development and transfer of mitigation and adaptation technologies are essential to addressing the climate change challenge. We acknowledge that this is a joint effort between developed and developing countries, which will provide benefits for all participants.

We offer the following views on technology frameworks and financing as you consider your work under SBSTA and options for the Copenhagen agreement:

As noted in the reports under consideration at this session, the private sector will play a significant role in the development, transfer and financing of mitigation and adaptation technologies. Post-2012 technology and financing frameworks must be structured to attract and leverage public and private capital flows.

Financing mechanisms to diffuse existing clean technology should aim to transform markets and build upon current mechanisms. Predictable and stable market conditions foster replicable and increasing investments, in accordance with the principles of the Convention.

This will require leveraging multilateral, regional, bilateral and private sector funds and risk instruments.

Parties should work towards increased funds on the scale quantified by the Expert Group on Technology Transfer.

Financing should be needs driven and focus on the economic development and energy priorities of countries and regions assessed, monitored and verified under the auspices of the Conference of the Parties.

Capacity building with a view to development of credible measurement, monitoring and reporting systems is vital to demonstrating results and building confidence in technology and financing frameworks.

Specifically, we note your preliminary report on performance indicators. We acknowledge your focus on indicators for enabling environments. These are key measures of market development and technology transfer.

Indicators for enabling environments should be simple, specific and track incentives and policies to increase installed capacity of clean energy generation as well as the adoption of codes and standards to increase building efficiency.

In closing, the strength of the Copenhagen deal itself will send the most important signal to the marketplace to accelerate the diffusion of existing clean energy technologies and to develop and deploy new technologies.

Thank you.